History of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan team excellently won a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

On the evening of June 5 in Abu Dhabi, in an evening filled with emotion, Uzbekistan wrote its most glorious page in history. A courageous 0-0 draw against the UAE was not just a result on the scoreboard - it was a resounding affirmation: Uzbekistan, after many years of missing appointments, had for the first time qualified for the World Cup finals.

The Journey of the Persistent

Tears were shed on the pitch. Not from the losers, but tears of joy, tears that burst after decades of waiting. Goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov fell to his knees and sobbed. The players, the coaching staff, even those who did not play - all could not contain their emotions. And they deserved it.

Uzbekistan do not have a star-studded squad. They do not have players playing for top European clubs, with the exception of a few names such as Eldor Shomurodov (formerly of Roma), the young talent Khusanov (of Manchester City) and Abbosbek Fayzullaev - the excellent midfielder of CSKA Moscow. But they have something that many teams with resources lack: persistence and belief.

15 qualifying matches, only one defeat. The defense conceded exactly 11 goals. This was an achievement that came from tight organization, brave fighting spirit and unwavering team spirit. This was a worthy reward for a football that had lived in regret for too long.

Because for more than two decades, Uzbekistan has always been in the "almost" group - almost going to the 2006 World Cup because of being unfairly penalized in the play-off match with Bahrain; almost going to Brazil 2014 because of a lower goal difference than South Korea; almost going to Russia 2018 because of a draw in the final match with South Korea. But this time, they will not let history repeat itself.

Uzbekistan's difference today lies at its roots: a youth training system that is gradually becoming professional.

Uzbekistan’s difference today lies at its roots: a youth system that is gradually becoming more professional. Under Technical Director Guy Kiala – a Belgian who has worked in the UAE and Saudi Arabia – Uzbekistan football has undergone a complete reorganization.

Previously, football academies were run by the state and were largely grassroots. Now, the Uzbekistan Football Federation controls, selects and organizes regional tournaments to find outstanding players. Young players are able to compete, compete, and train in a clear direction: technique, attack, and creativity.

The results came quickly. The U17s beat England at the World Cup. The U20s won the Asian Cup. The U23s made their Olympic debut - marking the first time Uzbekistan had been represented in a team sport at the Games.

The leader of that young generation - Timur Kapadze - is now also the head coach of the national team. He understands young players, knows how to motivate them and most importantly: knows how to build a cohesive team from people with humble beginnings.

Uzbekistan’s success doesn’t just come from technical skills. It comes from a change in mindset. Previously, the team often entered the game with an underdog mentality, playing a negative defensive game, afraid of losing more than wanting to win. Kiala saw that from the start and came up with a new slogan: “The desire to win must be greater than the fear of failure.”

Uzbekistan's success doesn't come from just technical expertise. It comes from a change in mindset.

Uzbekistan are no longer a team that waits for a counter-attack. They play with character, they attack, and above all, they fear no opponent. Uzbekistan believes they have the right to dream, and that belief is what brought them to their first World Cup.

Worthy result

With a population of nearly 40 million people - the largest in Central Asia - Uzbekistan has long loved football as a part of its life. They may have been famous for other sports such as wrestling, boxing and tennis, but nothing makes their hearts beat as hard as football.

The upcoming home game against Qatar will not be decisive, but it will be a real celebration. Tashkent will be covered with flags. Millions of Uzbeks will experience a historic moment - the first time they will see their team as part of the biggest festival on the planet.

Uzbekistan's journey to the 2026 World Cup is a lesson in perseverance, rebuilding and ambition. They didn't get there because of the expanded format. They got there on merit.

And from now on, the football world will no longer consider Uzbekistan a team that “almost made it”. They made it – in the best possible way.

Source: https://znews.vn/lich-su-goi-ten-uzbekistan-post1558658.html